Wheat Headed? Check for Frost Injury!

Frost injury is evident for the third time this season in some fields. In a few fields where other stresses compounded the frost injury, fields will need to be replanted to another crop. Fields that headed prior to the frost of May 23rd are at risk of injury to the pollination process.

Wheat cannot tolerate any frost at heading. If pollen viability is destroyed by frost, no kernels will develop. Growers with wheat that was in head on May 23rd need to monitor kernel development closely.

Open up the glumes, and look for the beginnings of a wheat kernel, usually evident within 7 days of pollination. If no kernel development is evident, frost damage may be severe, and other cropping options may have to be considered. This situation is extremely rare in Ontario.

| Top of Page |